Self Contained Underwater Vehicle Modules

ABSTRACT

An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) (V) includes a steering unit ( 10 ) for directional control of the UUV (V) with an exterior surface ( 12 ) and at least one interchangeable module component ( 14 ) for housing a desired operational unit ( 16 ) appropriate for a chosen mission profile. The interchangeable module ( 14 ) has an exterior surface ( 18 ) preferably impervious to the intrusion of water ( 20 ). A frontal portion ( 22 ) may be adapted for fluid flow. The exterior surfaces ( 10, 18 , and  24 ) of the steering unit ( 10 ), the interchangeable module component ( 14 ) and the frontal portion ( 22 ) form a substantially smooth surface envelope ( 26 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and more particularly to forms of such UUVs that are adaptable to multiple mission profiles.

2. Background Art

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are a well known tool used in military and non-military operations. UUVs are currently designed for a single mission. Additionally, the high cost of development hinders their application for other purposes. UUVs are typically designed as a metallic pressure vessel with cables running from its extremities to the central processor. This results in an architecture that does not lend itself to be easily reconfigured for other purposes.

Exemplary UUVs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,751; 5,786,545; 6,058,874; 6,536,365; and 7,000,560.

The present invention enhances the functionality of the above cited patents by utilizing a modular system to rapidly combine single or multiple purpose or use modules into a fully functional UUV particular to the specific mission profile.

While the above cited references introduce and disclose a number of noteworthy advances and technological improvements within the art, none completely fulfills the specific objectives achieved by this invention.

3. Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) includes a steering unit for directional control of the UUV having an exterior surface and at least one interchangeable module component for housing a desired operational unit appropriate for a chosen mission profile. The interchangeable module has an exterior surface preferably impervious to the undesirable intrusion of water or other fluids. A frontal portion may have an exterior surface that is adapted for flow through a fluid. The exterior surfaces of the steering unit, the interchangeable module component and the frontal portion form a substantially smooth surface envelope when the interchangeable module is attached to the steering unit and frontal portion for controlled movement through a fluid.

The present invention is a design for standardized UUV modules that can be combined in any way to make an unmanned underwater vehicle. This standardization allows the same technology to be used in multiple configurations. The reuse of technology significantly lowers the cost of development of a UUV. Therefore, a module only needs to be designed once, but can be reused in many vehicles with different purposes. The present invention discloses standardized modules than can be combined any way a user needs to make vehicles appropriate for a desired mission profile.

These and other objects, advantages and preferred features of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above is available from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing and discussed in further detail below. Through this reference, it can be seen how the above cited features, as well as others that will become apparent, are obtained and can be understood in detail. The drawings nevertheless illustrate only typical, preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are isomeric views of the module UUV of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of one form for a typical modulator UUV of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rail system for assembly of the modules forming the competed modular UUV.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a truss assembly that may be used to join the modules.

FIG. 5 illustrates a modular UUV of the present invention deployed from a control ship on the surface of a body of water.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof that is illustrated in the appended drawings. In all the drawings, identical numbers represented the same elements.

The present invention relates to co-pending patent application entitled “Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) V includes a steering unit or segment 10 with an exterior surface 12 and at least one interchangeable operational module component 14. The steering unit 10 functions to provide for or assist in directional control or stability of the UUV V. The interchangeable module or modules 14 house one or more desired operational units 16 appropriate for a chosen mission profile of the UUV V. The interchangeable module 14 has an exterior surface 18 preferably impervious to the undesirable intrusion of water or other fluids 20. A frontal or nose cone portion 22 may be formed having an exterior surface 24 that is adapted for flow through the fluid 20. The exterior surfaces 12, 18, and 24 of the steering unit 10, the interchangeable module component(s) 14 and the frontal portion 24, respectively, form a substantially smooth surface envelope or body 26 resembling a torpedo shape when the interchangeable module(s) 14 is attached to the steering unit 10 and frontal portion or nose cone segment 22 for controlled movement through the fluid 20.

Each module is designed and built to have a unique, single function (i.e. thrust, control, navigation, etc.). A vehicle V can be constructed of only the modules needed for a given mission profile. Additional modules 14 can be added or unnecessary modules 14 removed from the vehicle V with no impact. If a mission requires a particular attribute to be optimized or changed, that particular module 14 or sub-system can be changed without redesigning the entire vehicle V. This independence allows each function of the vehicle V to be added, removed, or upgraded by only replacing one section and establishing communications with other operational modules 14 as necessary. Different vehicles V can be constructed of modules 14 with varying performance and cost based on mission requirements. FIG. 2 illustrates how each module 14 is self-sufficient and provides a single or multiple functions as desired.

The modules 14 of the present invention are self-contained and self-supporting, and vehicles V can be assembled from any number of compatible modules 14, in any order desired, to provide any length desired. Each module 14 may provide a single function and may be fully complete for its desired information gathering or defensive functions. Preferably, a single interchangeable module 14 would include all necessary electrical or mechanical components or arrays such as sensors 28, processing 30, recording 32, communications 34, energy 36 or others by way of example within each section or module 14 in order to improve reliability if one module 14 were to fail during a mission.

There is no minimum or maximum number of modules 14 required and each can operate independently or collectively. Each module 14 may be self-powered with its own energy component 36 and therefore not be dependent upon a common power bus subject to failure. Every module 14 may have the same mechanical attachment in order that it can be positioned in any sequence in the vehicle V as assembled.

Communication, either two-way or one-way, may be achieved over a standard or known protocol and architecture. Typically, communications may be exchanged between individual interchangeable modules 14 or the steering or propulsion unit 10 to exchange mission profile information and information or intelligence that has been collected by the sensor 28 or other operational components or arrays. Communication may be achieved with the steering or propulsion segment 10 for independent directional and stability control of the UUV V. Further, communications may be exchanged between the UUV V and a surface ship or supporting station 44 either through a wireless connection using an antenna 38 or over a tethered communications cable 40 extending between the support station 44 and an attachment point 42 on the UUV V.

Also, while a typical vehicle V may have an internal wired communications connection or bus 46, such as a known Ethernet form of electronic communication used for computing machinery, another vehicle V may communicate wirelessly through a known commercial Wi-Fi or radio frequency technology, or example, with an appropriate internal (not shown) or external antenna 38 for data interchange between modules 14 or the support station 44. Testing has been done to prove the viability of the wireless form of communication either between the modules 14 or from one or more modules to the information collection point 44.

Each module 14 may be designed to be neutrally buoyant so the addition and subtraction of modules has no effect on the overall vehicle buoyancy at the desired mission profile operating depth.

Alternatively, one interchangeable module 14 may be formed to include the nose cone or frontal portion 22 as is depicted in FIG. 2. A typical sensor that may be mounted with the nose cone segment 22 is a camera to provide visual assistance in guiding the craft V from the support station 44.

While the nose cone portion 22 is normally tapered or otherwise shaped to improve the movement of the UUV V through the water, the nose cone may even be a blunt surface. However, such blunt surface would not improve the movement characteristics through water or other medium and likely is not recommended to be used.

The steering or propulsion segment 10 generally includes a means of propulsion suitable for moving the UUV V through the water or other fluid medium. A known propeller 48 or other known means for propulsion may be selected. The cowling or exterior surface 12 of the propulsion unit 10 may have a tapered area or section 50 as necessary. Fins (not shown) or other means for steering the UUV V may be mounted with the steering unit 10 or any other segment 14 to provide directional control and stabilizing control to the assembled UUV V.

Alternatively, if the UUV V is tethered as shown in FIG. 5, a separate propulsion unit may not be needed and the section 14 that includes the attachment point 42 substitutes for or acts as the propulsion unit 10 and directional control of the UUV V is predominately achieved through movement of the surface ship 44 that is towing the UUV V while it is submerged. In such an alternative arrangement the UUV V can be solely assembled from one or more interchangeable modules 14.

Each module 14, although scalable up or down, may be a 12″ diameter 52 segment, for example. Further, an optional outer covering or surface 26 may be applied or used to encompass all the modules or sections for further streamlining of the modular UUV V in relation to the fluid's characteristics during the mission. Such a covering could be a simple spray on material that is selected for radar reflection, sound absorption or the like.

Each interchangeable module 14, propulsion or steering unit 10, and the nose cone 22 may have a cast U-channel 54 with pins 56 that enable the modules to slide onto a mechanical backbone 58 to form the completed modular UUV V. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, a U-channel or rail 54 is shown with pins 56 that slid onto the extrusion 58 to secure the individual components or segments 10, 14, or 22 into the completed UUV V.

Alternatively, the modular vehicle V may have a truss system 60 as shown in FIG. 4 for each module or other component such as the propulsion unit 10 or nose cone 22 that is connected with V-band clamps (not shown) or the like at rings or edges 62 to join the individual selected modules or sections 10, 14, or 22 into the completed modular UUV V.

In addition to mechanical standardization, all electrical connections and connectors on the module are standardized as well. With standardization of design, components, and process there are reductions in cost through quantity production of standard modules. Such as design yields a reduction in cost that enables the first expendable UUV V.

The present invention is truly novel because of the design and manufacturing techniques used. It advances the state of the art for UUV systems and provides an architecture that could be used industry wide. The techniques described yield functionality, performance, and reliability that is unique for a typical unmanned underwater vehicle. The present invention produces a UUV that is less expensive to manufacture than current systems.

Advantages of the present invention as compared to known devices include: a non-proprietary design, easily reconfigured and upgraded; lower cost due to standardized components, increased reliability due to a connectorless design, and, increased efficiently due to lack of local voltage regulation.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) comprising: a steering unit for directional control of the UUV having an exterior surface; at least one interchangeable module component for housing a desired operational unit appropriate for a chosen mission profile, said interchangeable module having an exterior surface; a frontal portion having an exterior surface adapted for flow through a fluid; and, the exterior surfaces of the steering unit, the interchangeable module component and the frontal portion form a substantially smooth surface envelope when the interchangeable module is attached to the steering unit and frontal portion for controlled movement through a fluid; and, an internal component supporting system for joining the interchangable module components to form the UUV.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the interchangeable module contains an electronic array.
 3. The invention of claim 1 further including communication means for exchanging selected information between the UUV and a supporting station.
 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the frontal portion is formed with an interchangeable module.
 5. The invention of claim 3 wherein the connection means includes a tether cable extending between the UUV and the supporting station.
 6. The invention of claim 3 wherein the connection means includes a wireless transmission system conveying information between the UUV and the supporting station.
 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein the wireless transmission system exchanges information over a radio frequency based network.
 8. The invention of claim 6 wherein the wireless transmission system exchanges information over an optical beam based network.
 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein the steering unit includes a propulsion means for controllably propelling the UUV through the fluid.
 10. The invention of claim 1 wherein a junction of the steering unit and the interchangeable module is essentially seamless when the interchangeable module is joined to the steering unit forming the UUV.
 11. The invention of claim 1 wherein the internal component supporting system comprises a truss system for attaching interchangeable module components.
 12. The invention of claim 1 wherein the internal component supporting system comprises a rail system for attaching interchangeable module components.
 13. A method for assembling an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) comprising: preparing a steering unit for directional control of the UUV having an exterior surface; forming at least one interchangeable module component for housing a desired operational unit appropriate for a chosen mission profile; said interchangeable module having an exterior surface; joining the steering unit with at least one interchangeable module component with an internal component supporting system for joining the interchangeable module components such that the interchangeable module component and the steering unit form a substantially smooth surface envelope when the interchangeable module is attached to the steering unit for controlled movement through a fluid.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein a frontal portion is prepared having an exterior surface adapted for flow through a fluid.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the interchangeable module contains an electronic array.
 16. The method of claim 13 further including communications means for exchanging selected information between the UUV and a supporting station.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the frontal portion is formed with an interchangeable module.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the connection means includes a tether cable extending between the UUV and the supporting station.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the connection means includes a wireless transmission system conveying information between the UUV and the supporting station.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the wireless transmission system exchanges information over a radio frequency based network.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the wireless transmission system exchanges information over an optical beam based network.
 22. The method of claim 13 wherein the steering unit includes a propulsion means for controllably propelling the UUV through the fluid.
 23. The method of claim 13 wherein a junction of the steering unit and the interchangeable module is essentially seamless when the interchangeable module is joined to the steering unit forming the UUV.
 24. The method of claim 13 wherein the internal component supporting system comprises a truss system to form the UUV.
 25. The method of claim 13 wherein the internal component supporting system comprises a rail system for forming the UUV. 